How to get rid of shrews in your yard: fighting the big-nosed creatures

Gardening is not just a hobby but a lifestyle. Many people enjoy spending time in their gardens, caring for their plants, and sharing their experiences with other gardeners. But sometimes, shrews stand in the way of creating the perfect garden. They can cause significant damage to crops and spoil the appearance of the property. In this article, we'll look at how to get rid of shrews in your garden using the most effective methods.

The appearance and characteristic habits of shrews

Shrews are small rodents found in many regions of Russia. They have long bodies covered in brown fur and a long tail. Shrews can live in the same area for many years.

Distinctive features of shrews and their habitat

Shrews live in the soil, creating underground tunnels and burrows. They often live in gardens and vegetable plots, where they can find plenty of plant food and shelter. These rodents can also inhabit fields, parks, and forests. They feed on plant roots, seeds, and insect larvae. These pests cause damage to crops, as they often dig up plant roots and leave large holes in the soil surface.

Harm and benefit

Although shrews can damage crops and unsightly landscapes, they can also be beneficial. These animals add nutrients to the soil and improve its quality. They also destroy pests (scale insects, beetles, and larvae). However, if shrews become overly active and begin causing serious damage to crops and landscaping, they should be eliminated.

How to get rid of shrews in the garden using folk remedies

There are many ways to get rid of shrews, both folk and professional.

Smells

Shrews have a sensitive olfactory system, so strong odors can repel them. For example, you can use castor oil, which has a distinctive aroma that is unpleasant to shrews. To use this method, mix castor oil with water in a ratio of 1:10 and spray the area.

These animals also dislike lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils. Apply the oil to cotton balls and spread them over the affected area.

You can also use dried mint or eucalyptus leaves.

Noise

Sound vibrations must pass through the soil. On the surface, noise is useless. A homemade deterrent is very simple to make. Dig a metal rod a meter into the ground. Place a tin can on top of it. When the wind blows, the can will hit the rod, creating vibrations that will disturb the animal.

Pets

Dogs and cats can hunt shrews and prevent them from appearing on your property. If you have a pet that enjoys hunting, allow it to roam freely around your property. However, remember to supervise it to ensure it doesn't damage your plants.

Poisonous substances

Poisons are very effective, but they can also be very dangerous. Some substances are absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, leading to intoxication. Poisons should only be used when other remedies fail.

Also, remember that using poison can kill other beneficial insects, which can damage your garden's ecosystem.

Hose with tap water

A hose with running water is another simple and safe way to get rid of moles on your property. Simply turn on the water and direct the stream into the burrow until the water flows back. All the burrows you find should be flooded.

Planting marigolds in the garden

Planting marigolds in your yard can help repel shrews. Marigolds have a strong odor that these creatures dislike. They also have sharp leaves and thorny branches, making them difficult to navigate. You can plant them around your yard or near the pests' burrows.

A net dug in along the fence

Installing mesh along a fence can help prevent shrews from entering your property. The mesh should be buried at least 60 cm deep and at least 30 cm above ground level to prevent shrews from climbing over it. This will help prevent shrews from entering your property through the fence.

Professional products

If home remedies don't work to get rid of shrews on your property, you can turn to professionals. There are many products on the market for controlling these rodents. Let's look at the most effective ones.

Ultrasonic devices

Ultrasonic devices can help quickly and humanely eliminate shrews from your property. They emit a sound that is inaudible to humans but unpleasant to animals. These devices can be installed in your yard and tuned to the desired frequency. However, the effectiveness of these devices varies and depends on many factors, such as the size of the property and the number of pests.

Mousetraps and snares

They're designed specifically for rodents, so pets won't fall into them. The traps should be scattered around the property or placed in burrows. Insects and worms are good bait.

Chemicals

Among the chemical preparations, the following can be distinguished:

1. Gas bombs. When activated, they release a gas that kills the rodents. The bomb is dropped into the burrow and the entrance is covered with earth to prevent the gas from escaping.
2. Poisonous drugs. This is a poisoned bait. After eating it, the shrew dies. Popular ones include "Nutcracker" and "Hunter Anti-Rodent."

Preventive measures

The best way to control shrews in the garden is prevention. Let's look at the basic preventative measures that will help prevent them from appearing in your garden:

1. Cleaning the area. To prevent shrews from appearing in your property, regularly remove trash and plant clippings. This will help eliminate hiding places where shrews might hide.
2. Strengthening the boundaries of the site. Strengthening your property's boundaries will help prevent shrews from entering your property. This can include installing a fence or fence, burying netting, etc.
3. Planting plants. Planting plants that smell like something shrews don't like can help deter them.

Shrews can cause serious damage to crops and the appearance of a garden. However, there are many ways to get rid of these animals. Folk remedies such as scents, noise, and nets can be effective. If these fail, professional solutions such as ultrasonic devices and mousetraps can be used. However, the best way to deal with shrews is prevention. With the right approach and proper precautions, you can successfully eliminate pests from your garden and preserve it.